Bioremediation of Inorganics (Bioremediation, 3(10).)

Sites contaminated by metals and other inorganics are common throughout the world. Many engineered processes for applying bioremediation have been developed. But the inexpensive treatment of such sites has remained an elusive goal. Unlike organic contaminants which often can be metabolized inexpensively into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water, metals and their salts typically inhibit rather than support biological processes. However, there has been a flurry of interest recently in biological approaches to bioremediation of at least some forms of inorganic contamination, and some promising technologies are beginning to emerge. The articles in this collection deal with bioremediation of metals-contaminated soils, sludges, and aqueous environments. The research presented in this volume includes recent state-of-the-art studies conducted at bench- and field-scale in the area of bioreduction of metals. Included are discussions on bacterial reduction of soluble selenium oxides; biodenitrification; acid mine drainage; and the use of algae and plants to effect phytoremediation of radionuclide-contaminated and toxic soils. Both in situ and ex situ approaches are covered, with applied as well as theoretical discussions and advice. TOC: An Overview of the Bioremediation of Inorganic Contaminants